Senior Ecologist

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leading consultancy in the East of England, is on the lookout for a Senior Ecologist to join their dynamic team. With offices in Norwich and Cambridge, they are happy to accommodate applications from across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire and offer flexible remote working arrangements for the right candidate.

Our client’s portfolio includes a variety of high-profile projects spanning renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure developments. From contributing to groundbreaking offshore wind projects to supporting onshore solar farms and housing developments, their work is both diverse and impactful. This is your opportunity to be part of an expert team driving innovation in ecological services.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Take the lead in designing and conducting a range of protected species and habitat surveys for major projects across the East of England.
• Prepare comprehensive ecological reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological and Environmental Impact Assessments (EcIA & EIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports.
• Undertake biodiversity assessments, including habitat surveys, condition analyses, and Biodiversity Metric calculations.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of ecological mitigation strategies, including securing protected species licences for bats, dormice, great crested newts, water voles, and badgers.
• Create proposals and manage tenders for new opportunities.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring excellent client communication and budget management.
• Act as a mentor to junior colleagues, offering learning and development opportunities to foster their growth.

Ideal Candidate

Our client is keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments.
• Proven expertise in designing and delivering ecological surveys and interpreting results into actionable insights.
• Experience in ecological mitigation, including licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
• A collaborative mindset paired with excellent self-management skills.
• Strong organisational abilities and effective communication.
• A valid UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the region, occasionally requiring overnight stays.

Essential Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Ecology or a related discipline.
• Membership or eligibility for membership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• A protected species licence, ideally for bats or great crested newts.
• Desirable but not essential: FISC Level 4.

A Typical Day

On a day-to-day basis, you can expect to:

• Undertake fieldwork, spanning all aspects of habitat and protected species surveys.
• Deliver detailed ecological and environmental reports tailored to project-specific needs.
• Engage and collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Empower and support junior colleagues through mentoring and training.
• Maintain oversight of project timelines, budgets, and client deliverables.
• Innovate and contribute to creative ecological strategies for a wide variety of projects.

Why Join Our Client?

Our client values their team and offers an exceptional working environment designed to help you thrive. Here’s what you can expect:

• Flexible working arrangements, including Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) for fieldwork.
• Access to accredited training opportunities in leadership, management, and professional development.
• The chance to work on diverse, forward-thinking projects that drive sustainability.
• A supportive workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing, collaboration, and personal growth.
• The opportunity to work alongside a talented network of specialists, dedicated to making a meaningful difference.

If you’re an experienced ecologist seeking to advance your career while being part of projects that shape a sustainable future, we encourage you to apply. Join our client and take your career to the next level while contributing to a greener tomorrow.